Harris Motor Bearing Failure

Pump is very noisy with a loud grinding or screeching sound while running

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Worn front or rear motor bearings, Water intrusion past shaft seal into motor, Misalignment between motor and pump housing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker before touching the pump or motor.

  • Isolate the noise: Use a mechanic's stethoscope or a long screwdriver held to your ear to confirm the noise is coming from the motor body, not the wet end or plumbing.
  • Check for shaft play: With power OFF, remove the rear motor cover and try to move the shaft side-to-side. Excessive play indicates bearing wear.
  • Inspect for seal leaks: Look for rust or water marks at the motor face where it meets the Harris pump housing. A failed shaft seal can allow water into the bearings.

Motor bearing replacement requires press tools and experience; in most residential cases, replacing the complete Harris motor assembly or pump head is recommended.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Harris pool pump motor assembly
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